January 27 to 29, 2015
Grades 5 and 6
Learn more about our Linamar for the Performing Arts school program.
Since its inception in 2001, the Guelph Symphony Orchestra has placed a significant focus on youth. This performance, conducted by the orchestra’s Artistic Director Judith Yan, offers students a chance to experience highlights from the classical symphonic repertoire. The program includes excerpts from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, Handel’s Water Music, Haydn’s Surprise Symphony, and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5.
Information for Teachers
Guelph Symphony Orchestra (GSO)
About the Orchestra
2001 – The orchestra was founded with Simon Irving as artistic director
2011 – GSO established the Guelph Youth Symphony Orchestra
2012 – GSO appoints Judith Yan as artistic director and resident conductor
2012 – The GSO plays for River Run’s Wooly Kinderconcerts
2013 – the GSOKids club is introduced
Today, when playing as a full orchestra, the GSO has grown to almost 50 musicians.
Question
Pay attention to where the musicians sit. A typical orchestra configuration has the string instruments at the front, then woodwind, brass and percussion in behind. For example, the cellists sit to the right of the conductor. Any idea why a fixed configuration makes sense?
Answer
- Musicians are located and positioned to be able to see the conductor easily.
- All similar instruments are seated together. This allows musicians to hear each other better.
- The number of instruments and the volume of some specific instrument is not equal. This specific placement allows different instrument groups to achieve smooth (uniform) sound within the orchestra (as a whole).
- Instruments with lower frequencies are usually located on the audience’s right and instruments with higher frequencies are located on the left.
- For the conductor, it’s much easier to cue the cellos when they’re always in the same spot.
About the program
This program is designed to introduce students in Grades 5 and 6 to some of the world’s most familiar and popular symphonic hits. Your students will hear excerpts from works such as:
- Vivaldi’s Four Seasons
- Handel’s Water Music
- Haydn’s Surprise Symphony
- Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5
School Program Coordinator
519- 837-5662 extension 2291
[email protected]
